What Is a PVA?
The Property Valuation Administrator (PVA) is a state office with county jurisdiction. The PVA is a locally elected official who has the responsibility to appraise and assess at the fair market value all property that lies within the county. Fair Market Value is defined as the price a property will bring in a voluntary sale between a willing seller and a willing buyer.
All property, unless specifically exempt by the Kentucky Constitution, is taxable. The Constitution expressly prohibits exemption of any property or persons except those allowed by the Constitution itself. Exemptions are granted to federal, state, county, and city owned properties, educational and religious properties, properties owned by public charitable organizations, and to property owners who meet the requirements for homestead and disability exemptions. Formal application must be made with the PVA office before any exemption can be granted. The PVA office must use all legal means at their disposal to arrive at a fair market value assessment. These methods include, but are not limited to, sales and cost data, physical inspection, financial data and audits.
The Kentucky Constitution requires equality and uniformity through cash value assessments. Kentucky statutes further require the PVA to assess property on an annual (January 1) basis to maintain fair cash value assessments for both old and new property. The PVA must also perform a physical examination of all parcels in the county at lease once every four years.
The PVA office does not set property tax rates nor does it collect property taxes.
The PVA office has three departments working to serve the needs of the property owners. These departments are:
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Customer Service/Technical Support Department
This department provides answers to questions about the assessed value on all real, tangible and intangible property, motor vehicles, and exemptions (homestead and disability). This department is also responsible for maintaining current and accurate data for all properties in the county. -
Assessing
The assessment department includes field representative and assessors. Field Representatives physically review each parcel in the county at least once every four years. Assessors determine the fair market value for each county parcel based on prior sales, public documents, and guidelines from the Kentucky Revenue Cabinet and the International Association of Assessing Officers. New construction and improvements on properties also require a physical review by a field representative as well as a review by an assessor. -
Mapping
The mapping department is responsible for updating and maintaining the county's maps. Both conventional and geographic information system (GIS) technology is used.
The Do's and Don'ts and PVA's role in preparing a Property Tax Bill
DO: Identify Property Owners
The PVA office is responsible for keeping a record of ownership for every parcel of real estate in Campbell County. Individual property is identified by the proper name, address and map number, which appears on your tax bill.
DO: Assess Property
The PVA is required by law to assess property at fair cash value. The Constitution states that all property be assessed at "100% Fair Market Value" unless specifically exempted. The determined amount for each parcel appears on your tax bill under the heading of "Assessed Value".
DON'T: Apply Taxes
Tax Bills in Campbell County are comprised of several taxing districts. Each jurisdiction has a board that has the responsibility of generating tax dollar revenue to provide citizens with services that the respective districts administer. Each board calculates the district's tax rate based on the assessments in the district.
DON'T: Print the Tax Bills
The County Clerk is in charge of keeping accurate record of all tax rates. Once the tax rates are reported to the County Clerk's office, the tax bills are ordered to be printed.
DON'T: Mail the Tax Bills
Tax Bills are mailed by the Campbell County Sheriff's office. The bills are usually sent around November 1 of each year.